FIX: Asus Computer Boots Into Aptio Setup Utility Instead of Booting Into its OS

By Kevin ArrowsUpdated on June 21, 2025

Kevin is a certified Network Engineer

The Aptio Setup Utility can sometimes open automatically on an ASUS laptop instead of starting Windows. This usually happens after a forced shutdown, a system crash, or when some BIOS settings have changed. When you see this screen, it means your laptop cannot find the hard drive or the Windows system it needs to start up.

The most common reason is that the storage device is missing or not connected properly. However, this problem can also happen if certain BIOS settings are not right, such as if CSM is turned off, Secure Boot is set up incorrectly, or the order of boot devices has changed.

In this article, we will discuss different ways to solve this error.

1. Make Sure that Your HDD/SSD is Properly Connected

The most common cause of this issue is a loose connection between your computer and its HDD/SSD, which can prevent your computer from detecting the drive.

Open your computer to access its HDD/SSD. If you have a desktop, open the case. If you have a laptop, carefully unscrew and remove the bottom panel.
Find the drive and gently unplug its connection from the motherboard.
Clean both the drive’s connector and the port on the motherboard to make sure there is no dust or debris.
Firmly reconnect the drive to the motherboard, ensuring it is seated properly.
Close up your computer.

Now, restart your computer and check if it boots normally.

2. Allow your computer to Recognize all HDDs and SSDs

If your HDD/SSD is properly connected but your computer still will not boot, it may be set to only recognize the original drive from the factory. In this case, you can adjust some settings in the Aptio Setup Utility to allow your computer to detect any HDD or SSD. Here’s how:

Turn on your computer. It should boot into the Aptio Setup Utility automatically.
Inside the Aptio Setup Utility, go to the Security tab.
Expand the Secure Boot menu and disable Secure Boot.
Go to the Save & Exit tab, save your changes, exit the Aptio Setup Utility, and restart your computer. You should return to the Aptio Setup Utility after restarting.
Go to the Boot tab.
Disable Secure Boot and Fast Boot, if they are enabled.
Enable CSM (Compatibility Support Module).
Return to the Save & Exit tab, save your changes, and exit.

Restart your computer once more. When your computer boots, it should now load your Operating System instead of the Aptio Setup Utility.

By Kevin ArrowsUpdated on June 21, 2025

Kevin is a certified Network Engineer

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kevin Arrows

Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.

Comments

Peter Bergman Aug 23, 2016

Hi Kevin,

After having tried option 1 on my laptop it was still the same, ending up at the aptio setup utillity. So I tried option 2, and having done that and restarting the laptop I get a black screen with the following text:
“Reboot and Select proper Boot devoce or Insert Boot Media in selected Boot device and press a key”
Nothing happens when I press any key or “a” except that the text reappears.

Do you know what the problem might be?

Thanks!
/Peter

K. Arrows Author Aug 23, 2016

How old is this machine and does it shows the hard disk in the boot manager?

Cugs0217 Jan 2, 2017

I’m getting “reboot and select proper boot device also but I don’ have a 2nd computer. Now what

K. Arrows Author Jan 26, 2017

Should be taken to a shop, since you’re limited by options to try.

Wes Sep 9, 2016

I bit the bullet and opened my Asus G501JW. I pulled the SSD, cleaned the contacts, and inserted it back into the SSD slot. Problem solved. I think the SSD may have been jarred loose as this laptop travels often.

ACM Oct 7, 2016

I cant disable secure boot. Not an option

Googlick Oct 11, 2016

Is there a part of text missing? Following ‘Disable’?

K. Arrows Author Oct 12, 2016

You have to disable secure boot and Fastboot, and save it and and restart

Then go back into the BIOS and CSM will be selectable. Now select enable CSM and restart.

Benj Musch Oct 15, 2016

So I Just bought a new desktop without OS
I bought windows 10 online and made a boot USB with Rufus.
Now when i startup my computer it just stays in Aptio and dont really know what to do to install windows 10 on my new computer if you could help that would be awesome (:

Thanks
Benj

K. Arrows Author Oct 15, 2016

I responded to your previous question.

Benj Musch Oct 15, 2016

I Just bought a new computer without OS, so i bought windows 10 online and made a bootusb now when i start up my computer it stays in aptio setup utility

How can I instal windows 10 on my new pc…

Thanks

K. Arrows Author Oct 15, 2016

Set the USB as first boot device, and hdd as second, then boot.

CreeperB Nov 7, 2016

It’s now telling me to insert boot media in selected boot device and press a key

K. Arrows Author Nov 13, 2016

Can you create a bootable media and follow the prompts? You’ll need a different computer/laptop to do this. https://appuals.com/?s=create+bootable

Amber Jillian Mar 5, 2017

Where do I go to enable csm?
I disabled fast boot and secured boot. Now I’m unsure what to do because I cannot find where the csm should be located. Can you help me please?

K. Arrows Author Mar 6, 2017

see here: http://composter.com.ua/images/articles/uefi-v-rezhime-sovmestimosti/Launch-CSM-Aptio-Setup-Utility.png

Luke Allen Mar 8, 2017

You literally have saved my life!!! 😀

K. Arrows Author Mar 8, 2017

Cool..

Jon Lowry Mar 31, 2017

Asus touchscreen Notebook; stuck in Aptio Setup; Hi Kevin! …Not exactly stuck, it just keeps repeating itself when I SAVE & EXIT, power goes off for a few seconds, then restarts itself right back to Aptio Setup. I followed your second instruction above, changed Secure Boot, but THERE IS NO ‘Fast Boot’ category at all …. in fact my Aptio Setup screen is a little different from your demo screen … mine looks a little more primitive, there only are 3 F options:F1,F9 and F10. Bought this touchscreen in 2013 or ’14 … at first, was able to fix Aptio issues twice before by following this style of keyboard moves … the fix did not hold long enough for me to make backup files. So when it stuck in Aptio the 3rd time, where it remains stuck, now, 18 months later, I just set it on the shelf, (and bought another Asus laptop) because I have no back-up files. If Notebook were sent back to factory for repairs it would erase some crucial material (as has happened to other Asus buyers)….So just now, on the original Notebook, with no Fast Boot , but disabling Secure Boot, etc. did get me A BIT CLOSER when I restarted, i.e. the Intel logo momentarily came on screen, then it switched back to Aptio, primitive Aptio Set …. If I try your first set of instructions, opening up the back of the computer, is the HDD/SSD unit clearly marked and easy for an amateur to locate? … Second question, without opening the computer back plate, are there keyboards moves for those of us who have no Fast Boot category? … And by the way my second Asus bought 2015 also has the old-fashioned style Aptio Set-up with fewer categories, but I easily can get it unstuck, so far.

Christina Margolles Apr 12, 2017

Your tips saved my sanity! Thank you!

K. Arrows Author Apr 14, 2017

thx

Randy Keller Apr 24, 2017

Somehow my wife navigated to here. How do I get out? https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/4f1c9b588afd282eb617b32ca3b735c654185765709824e9ce0abec7ac2252f9.jpg

K. Arrows Author Apr 25, 2017

Press F10 to save and exit

CinnamonRoll69 Mar 2, 2019

i got to this screen too but everytime i press f10 it takes me to the screen that says reboot and select proper boot device

Shane Warren Author Sep 19, 2019

Windows might have been corrupted or deleted from the original Hard disk that you were using.

Møhåmmäd Sãqùïb May 1, 2017

how to remove user password in aptio setup utility. please help me

K. Arrows Author May 3, 2017

take the cmos battery out for 10 secs, put it back in to see if it resets the password.

Mohammed May 10, 2017

I did what you say but rather than going to OS , it shows ” reboot and select proper boot device “

K. Arrows Author May 15, 2017

You seem to have changed the boot order incorrectly.

CinnamonRoll69 Mar 2, 2019

how do i fix that in the aptio setup utility

Shane Warren Author Sep 19, 2019

Select the appropriate HDD or SSD as the first in the boot order.

Kareem Bhaa El-Dein May 12, 2017

thaaaaaaaaank you man your tips saved my laptop

Kate May 16, 2017

#6 I navigated to the “boot” but where do I find SECURE BOOT? The only options I have are 1. BOOT CONFIGURATION 2. FAST BOOT 3. LAUNCH CSM AND THE 4. DELETE BOOT OPTION

K. Arrows Author May 16, 2017

Having no secure boot option isn’t an issue but to find out why it is not there is going to take time. Generally, this is the criteria that has to be met in order to have the option.

1. The partition have to be GPT instead of MBR
2. Windows 8 or 10 has to be installed with UEFI/EFI activated
3. Secure Boot have to be enabled [this is dependent on 1 and 2]

riquet georg May 22, 2017

Hey Kevin , my eeebook Asus x205ta is stuck in aptio setup utility, and I navigate to the “”Boot” and it shows NO options, it is absolutely EMPTY..no fast boot, no launch csm, NOTHING(((( do u have a solution in that case? Please help

Cavine Holding May 31, 2017

After doing your steps an restart my laptop “Missing operating system” is what came on the screen how do I get rid of it please reply asap

K. Arrows Author Jun 8, 2017

see if the boot device is correct.

Esteban Lara Jul 4, 2017

Hello, I have a 2016 Razer Blade. I’m getting an error which is 0xc0000454. My laptop doesn’t boot up into the OS and I can only go to the BIOS. This bios is tha aptio setup utility you talk about here. I can’t get it to boot the proper OS no matter what I do.
Also, I tried a recovery windows usb and in the troubleshooting and then in the command prompt using diskpart, it only lists the usb I plugged in as a volume. It’s as if the laptop doesn’t recognize that the ssd exists.

Esteban Lara Jul 5, 2017

Hello, I’m having a problem similar to this and i was wondering if you could be able to help me. I own a 2016 Razer Blade with a full hd non touch screen and a 256gb ssd. A few nights ago, I was on youtube when windows had an error, and it had to restart. It booted off and when it started back up, it would not boot into the OS. It gave me the error 0xc0000454, which has to do with a boot file being corrupted or changed. I have tried many solutions but i’m not sure what else to do. I used a recovery usb with windows on it and in the troubleshooting option and inside the command prompt, using diskpart and list volumes, I only get one volume, the usb i plugged in, as if my current ssd was not present, when it is. Is there any way you could help?

Esteban Lara Jul 5, 2017

azu Jul 15, 2017

Hi, I’m having trouble regarding this. I followed the steps above in exact order (Solution 2) and it only shows me the black screen with text ” reboot and select proper boot device ” . If i press any key on the keyboard, it only adds the same paragraph over and over again

So, I kinda forgot what I did but after the ” reboot and select proper boot device ” screen appears, I pressed F9 for idk 5 seconds I guess, and I restarted it by pressing the power button. Eventually, when the asus logo appears i pressed the esc button twice and it shows me other options to boot, so I chose the other one. And finally, it directs me to my OS (Thank God!!) I think many people forgot that after step 8 they should restart and when the asus (or intel) logo appears, press esc to show the setup options

Anyway, this article so far really helps me to understand what’s exactly happening with my laptop, because I’ve experienced this problem four times and I still don’t understand what’s wrong with my laptop. The first time it happened, I had to take it to Asus Service Center and they changed my harddrive to Kingston. So I guess now my laptop’s having problem detecting the harddrive when it’s booting after blue screen due to the new harddrive. This new harddrive isn’t even one-year old but it keeps crashing like this, so idk do I need to buy a new harddrive again? @appuals:disqus I would like to know your answer as a pro technician. Thank you

K. Arrows Author Jul 16, 2017

I don’t think this is any thing to do with the hard drive, since it did detect and boot you into your OS. I beleive this is simply an issue about misconfigured settings somehow.

azu Jul 19, 2017

Alright then, thanks a lot

Shah Ragini Jul 16, 2017

I did not do step 1 because I do not feel comfortable opening my laptop and I don’t know how to locate the motherboard much less the drive connected to it. I am trying the second set of steps but I do not have the options under security that you list. All I have is Administrator Password Status, User Passeord Status (in grey); Set Up Administrator Passeord, User Password and I/O Interface Security. I also do not have a CSM launch option though the UEFI Boot is enabled. I have an Asus ux21e

Tony Aug 6, 2017

I have the same problem explained here with a laptop. I followed the instructions up the step 8 and now the screen shows: Reboot and Select the proper Boot device Insert Boot Media in selected Boot device and press a key.
I don’t really know how to Reboot or what is the proper Boot device or to Insert Boot Media. Can you clarify for me?

MFJ Aug 7, 2017

Follow the steps given below. Skip the steps that you have
already done

1. In the Aptio Setup Utility, select the “boot”
menu and then select “Launch CSM” and change it to
“enable”.

2. Next select the “Security” menu and then select “secure Boot
Control” and change to “disable”.

3. Now select “Save & Exit” and press “yes”.

4. Once you have done this, hold down the “power” button until the
laptop turns off completely.

5. Now you want to power it back on and continually press the “F9”
button for about ten seconds or until you are taken to the “Windows
Recovery Menu”.

6. In here select “Advanced Start Up” and then, once the recovery
menu appears, select “Advance Options”.

7. Choose “System Restore” and select a date prior to when the
problem started.

The computer should now go through the restore process and
then start normally for you

If this doesn’t work then try the following

1. Turn off your computer

2. Take out the battery (from the back side of your laptop)

3. Now, plug the battery back in and turn on your laptop

4. It should take you to the desktop

If that doesn’t work then try going into the Safe Mode

Restart your computer and press F8 to enter the Safe Mode
Menu.

Press the “F4” or “F5” which will take you to Safe Mode and Safe Mode
with Networking, respectively. Get into the mode that you like.

Now sign in to the computer with your account name and password. You can exit
the Safe mode when you are done and, hopefully, it will start normally the next
time you start your computer

Chelcea Aug 8, 2017

I’m following the steps and no matter what I do it takes me right back to the aptio setup utility. I’m following it step by step and nothing is working

MFJ Aug 10, 2017

Please try the following and see if it works for you.

Follow the steps given below. Skip the steps that you have
already done

1. In the Aptio Setup Utility, select the “boot”
menu and then select “Launch CSM” and change it to
“enable”.

2. Next select the “Security” menu and then select “secure Boot
Control” and change to “disable”.

3. Now select “Save & Exit” and press “yes”.

4. Once you have done this, hold down the “power” button until the
laptop turns off completely.

5. Now you want to power it back on and continually press the “F9”
button for about ten seconds or until you are taken to the “Windows
Recovery Menu”.

6. In here select “Advanced Start Up” and then, once the recovery
menu appears, select “Advance Options”.

7. Choose “System Restore” and select a date prior to when the
problem started.

The computer should now go through the restore process and
then start normally for you

If this doesn’t work then try the following

1. Turn off your computer

2. Take out the battery (from the back side of your laptop)

3. Now, plug the battery back in and turn on your laptop

4. It should take you to the desktop

If that doesn’t work then try going into the Safe Mode

Restart your computer and press F8 to enter the Safe Mode
Menu.

Press the “F4” or “F5” which will take you to Safe Mode and Safe Mode
with Networking, respectively. Get into the mode that you like.

Now sign in to the computer with your account name and password. You can exit
the Safe mode when you are done and, hopefully, it will start normally the next
time you start your computer

Chelc Baker Aug 12, 2017

I tried this and when I push the f9 button for 10 seconds it still just takes me right back to the aptio setup utility

Ship sunk Apr 6, 2018

same problem, did you solved it already?

Chelc Baker Aug 12, 2017

I’ll try the other 2 options you listed as well and see if it works.

Tim Dinh Oct 13, 2022

I’m also having this problem where my Asus boots into aptio setup only. I’ve tried option one and two, and when I get to the part to power down and press f9 it goes back into aptio and says “load optimized defaults”. Nothing else seems to work. Tried unplugging/plugging hdd as well as battery, and same thing. I’ve also tried to install windows 10 through a usb and when it gets to the part where it’s Finishing up, it cancels and says “windows could not prepare the computer to boot ect ect” would it work if I tried windows 8? Since that’s what it originally wa

PABLO RASCHETTI May 18, 2018

Hi I did all the steps.
The first after disabling security and enabling cms did not work. When I turn on there is a black screen saying there is no os.

Then I turn off and on again but pressing F2 SEVERAL TIMES. back to the Aptio screen.
This time I changed the settings back, saved an exit and voila. It worked.

However 2 days ago I had to open the laptop check the HDD connections and also another solution heard unplug and plug the battery. In my laptop the battery pack is inside.

After trying everything I made it work.

There is a strange short sound like a zapp that you can hear when laptop goes on whether you getting tO OS or not in all cases.

I just want to know how will I prevent this to continue happening.
I never had this problem for 3 years I have my PC

My laptop model is X555 without any letter after and I found out that is not listed as compatible with Windows 10… however this computer came with Windows 8 but ready for 10 update and the only problem I had several times before was the v
Blue screen and computer going crashed.

This will never bother afterwards. But this issue of the Aptio is new.

What can I do?

I gave as much detail possible to find a definitive solution.

May it be some instalked program?

May it be a virus?

I am afraid there will come the time I will not be able to solve it again.

Many thanks

Ayoola Aderibigbe (Megawave) Jul 6, 2018

You are the best, second option worked like magic.
Thanks

Ryan Testado Oct 23, 2018

The Best bro! Thanks!

Konstantin Mushtakov May 1, 2019

It works after the last description ‘.. enable CSM ..’. Many thanks!

Joyce Biese Aug 12, 2019

SUCCESS: After days of taking parts out of my computer and changing the BOOT and SECURITY tabs in the Aptio screen, I called ASUS. They directed me to disconnect the power, and to hold down the power button until the notebook shuts off. Then, HOLD THE POWER BUTTON DOWN AGAIN FOR ABOUT A MINUTE. THEN PRESS THE POWER BUTTON TO TURN UNIT BACK ON. It booted up normally. They feel the hard shut down also shuts down some of the things running in the background that, perhaps, are too much for the computer to run at once. [Perhaps they are correct, as I was able to get it to boot up a few times prior to their assistance and only crash again.] I’ll call back if needed but so far, this easy solution has been successful.

Vasih Dec 27, 2019

Hi dears,
I could exit by hitting Cntrl+esc. All the other solutions were in fail.Thank you.

Vasih Dec 27, 2019

Hi guys,I could fix this issue by hitting Ctrl+Esc.Thank you.

Sana Man Jan 12, 2020

Hello, i need help with Aptio setup utility I have tried a lot of methods to get out of this but it didn’t work this Aptio Setup Utility is 2017 version and I have ASUS computer is there a way to get of this I haven’t tried.

Shane Warren Author Jan 16, 2020

You cannot boot into windows?

Pierce Mercier Jan 14, 2020

It’s now telling me to reboot and select proper boot device or insert media in selected boot device and press a key?? How do I fix this please!?

Shane Warren Author Jan 16, 2020

It isn’t detecting the HDD or SSD on which Windows has been installed. Boot into bios and see if the SSD/HDD shows up in there. If it does, change the boot order to prioritize the SSD and then check if it helps. If it doesn’t either the SSD has stopped working or the cables might be damaged and you will have to take it in for service. Also, try to install Windows from the USB and see if you are successful in that.

Aadi AnimeTions Mar 8, 2020

Is it possible for a magnet to have pulled loose the Hdd/Sdd

Shane Warren Author Mar 10, 2020

If there is a magnet very close to the PC then the HDD might be damaged permanently because magnets can wipe all the data from your HDD and sometimes even cause permanent damage.

Syrus Mina Mar 17, 2020

Hello, Either way I’ve already done those procedures/steps in solution2 it still cant proceed to the os. It appears a black screen and a underscore blinking.. Help please..

Shane Warren Author Mar 18, 2020

Your HDD is being recognized in the Bios? if it is then the Windows has been corrupted and the computer isn’t booting into it. either check if the HDD/SSD is working or not

Syrus Mina Mar 20, 2020

Shane Warren, thank you for the reply.. I’ve already reach my limit in analyzing what is the problem. So I already hire a hand to help me with this problem..

daniel Apr 22, 2020

it’s black screen with text on top: Reboot and Select proper Boot device, what should I do?

Shane Warren Author Apr 25, 2020

Your boot drive isn’t selected or the HDD on which Windows was installed is done for. The best thing to do is to boot into bios and check if there is an HDD attached to the system. If there is, set it on top in the boot order and after doing that try to boot up. If it doesn’t boot up, try to reinstall Windows on the HDD and check if the issue is fixed.

1. Make Sure that Your HDD/SSD is Properly Connected

2. Allow your computer to Recognize all HDDs and SSDs

Comments

× Cancel reply